The 612 Experience:
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” - Ephesians 6:12 {KJV}
Dear
Pastors, Youth Pastors and Ministry Leaders:
We greet you in the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We are
reaching out to pastors, youth pastors and church leaders in hopes of
sharing an exciting and innovative approach to youth ministry and youth
evangelism. We have been called by God to not only spread the gospel
of Christ, but to reach an entire generation of young people, whom He
desires to worship and serve Him with their whole heart. Our goal is
to reach them in a way that they find exciting, appealing and life-changing.
Because the world offers our young people so many reasons to turn away from the teachings of the Gospel and the traditions of the Church, we feel an urgent need to draw them back to the unconditional love and acceptance found in Christ. Rather than complain about their falling away from God, we desire to bring them back to an understanding of their desperate need of Him. To that end, we are blessed to introduce to you a truly creative approach to youth ministry.
“The 6:12 Experience” is a youth-centered conference consisting of workshops, interactive teaching sessions, and a celebratory concert by recording artists, God's Army, which culminates the day's activities and inspires the young people to go boldly forward to put their newfound understanding into action.
Utilizing our newly-released CD, entitled “6:12,” and accompanying book, “Christian Rap: Today's Tool for Evangelism, 6:12 The Commentary,” young people will be taught the vital importance of a personal relationship with God, and how to apply Christian principles to their daily lives, in the midst of all the temptations and struggles they face in today's society. By using the popular music forum they already enjoy, bible-based truths, mandates and principles will be made plain.
Workshops are focused upon the songs included on the CD. Through diligent study and inspiration of the Holy Spirit, we examine the lyrics of each song, and then correlate those lyrics to the Holy Scriptures that inspired them. Every song is based on the holy Word of God; therefore every teaching is focused upon a godly principle. The day's workshops and activities are customized according to the principles you desire to focus upon. In this way, your young people will be taught according to how you feel the Lord is leading.
A description of the workshops and teachings available is attached. We pray that you will be inspired by the Holy Spirit of God to open your heart and mind to this awesome opportunity to minister to your young people in a way that will be enjoyable, effective and edifying. Topics include: worship, obedience, sacrifice, love, and bold allegiance to Christ. Supporting materials are also enclosed, including music samples, background information on God's Army, and testimonials from other ministries whose youth have been blessed and empowered by participating in the “6:12 Experience.”
We hope to hear from you soon. We pray God's blessings upon your youth, your ministry and your congregation.
In His Service,
GOD'S ARMY, MINISTRY OF RAP
Page Navigation
- The Workshops
- Power of Music Presentation
- Customize Your 6:12 Experience
- 5 Facets of the 6:12 Experience
- Ask Yourself
- About God's Army
WORKSHOPS
(Each workshop is based on the title/theme of a song)
Warrior:
This workshop features teaching on the biblical mandate of “putting
on the full armor of God.” Participants will be taught the importance
of understanding, and abiding by, the principles represented by the
“Christian wardrobe.” The God's Army battle cry: Ephesians
6:12 will be stressed as the truth of spiritual warfare is discussed.
Let It Go:
In-depth teaching and discussion will focus on common difficulties
that we face in life, and the harmful consequences we often suffer.
The detrimental psychological and physiological affects of unresolved
issues such as guilt, shame, anger and depression will be discussed
from a Christian and medical perspective.
I'll Do It:
Exploration of the rewards of total obedience will be the focus
of this workshop. The benefits of knowing and obeying God will be stressed,
in addition to the strength, power and blessing that comes from knowing
that you are living according to God's will.
Praize Your Way & G.A. Funk:
This workshop focuses on the power of individual and corporate
praise. The fact that we are unique beings created to offer praise to
God will be emphasized. Participants will explore the blessings of the
freedom we have to express our praise to God, as well as the beauty
of the unique, individual, and infinite possibilities available. Barriers,
judgments and intolerance of other believers will be discussed, in light
of examining what truly pleases God.
T.H.U.G. (Turning Hearts Unto God):
Evangelism is the focus of this workshop, as we discuss the need
for believers to boldly proclaim and present Christ to the unsaved.
Participants will be challenged to examine their motives in turning
people not toward themselves, but rather unto God. Secular rap music
will be discussed, as it relates to its focus/theme of “It's
all about me.” This direct contrast to the focus of the gospel
- “It's not about me” will be stressed.
Spiritual High:
The spiritual and life-altering implications of addictions will
be discussed. The temptation to seek escape from life's problems
will also be explored. The freedom, peace and power of the life-altering
change that occurs in the life of the believer will be stressed. Everlasting
freedom through salvation, as opposed to the temporary escape of a “worldly
high” will be emphasized.
*Ride and Die:
Sacrifice and commitment to Christ is the topic of this workshop.
Serving God and His Kingdom, rather than serving ourselves, is the focus
and the ultimate goal. Sacrificing what we want – so that we can
pursue God's will for us – produces good fruit in the life
of the believer.Participants will understand the importance of denying
the desires and works of their flesh – in order to live a life
of purpose, led by the Spirit of God.
Note: * Counts as two workshops.
YRU Ashamed of Me?
This workshop challenges participants to make their faith known,
without fear or shame. Our comfort level in proclaiming our allegiance
to Christ reveals our level of commitment to Him. Scriptural references
to support the importance of declaring in whom we believe will be discussed,
in addition to social implications of being known as a Christ-follower.
Jack and Jill & Mountain Top:
This workshop focuses on hope, faith and perseverance in the face
of life's obstacles. We explore the spiritual reward of remaining
focused on, and faithful to, God's principles of godliness, regardless
of the troubles, temptations and struggles we encounter. Complete reliance
upon God in the face of hardship will be stressed, as we explore stories
of biblical martyrs. The devastation of teen depression and suicide
will be discussed.
Love:
The world misuses and overuses the word, “love.” This
workshop explores the age-old question, “What is the true meaning
of love?” Participants will gain understanding about the devil's
plot to destroy what God intended love to be. We take a probing look
at the media's role in the perversion and exploitation of love.
Pray:
The focus of this workshop will be on the enemy's attack
on prayer in American society. We review, from a historical perspective,
the role that prayer has played in our country. As a nation, we've
forgone the commitment to prayer that our forefathers established. What
does the bible say about prayer? We explore the consequences that our
society has experienced as a result of removing prayer as a staple in
the life of Americans.
Great God:
We celebrate the majesty of our God! Participants will discover
the importance of a lifestyle of worship, as opposed to simply singing
“worship” songs. This workshop emphasizes the truth that
we are called to worship God with our lives. We break down the fallacies
of the atheistic argument that there is no divine creator. We look at
the marvelous works of our God, and we acknowledge the privilege of
having a relationship with our Creator.
Note: Members of God's Army will teach all workshops; instruction will be reflective of their personal and spiritual life experiences, as well as their educational and career backgrounds. All members are dedicated believers whose careers include: Business Manager, Chiropractor, Industrial Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Music Producer, and Physical Therapist.
The POWER OF MUSIC PRESENTATION
(consists of FOUR different sessions)
1. The Psalmist Session:
This session is an interactive teaching on the art of song writing.
We introduce participants to the songwriters of the bible, and David
in particular. Participants will learn about the undeniable power of
our words and their irrefutable influence; we explain that words and
music make a very powerful combination. Step by step, participants will
be guided through the songwriting process and will have the opportunity
to compose an original song of their own, which may be presented at
the God's Army concert! (30-60 minutes).
2. Maestro's Minute:
Participants will be given an inside look at the world of music
production – from the producer of “6:12.” We explore
the God-given ability of man to create music, the purpose of music,
and the great opportunities available in the music industry. We challenge
participants to consider the awesome privilege and responsibility of
using their talent to create music that honors God. This interactive
session includes an exciting demonstration of instrumentation and technology
used in music production. The music created from the interactive session
may be used at the God's Army concert! (30-60 minutes).
3.
Bodies of Praize:
This interactive session, presented by The Body of Praize of God's
Army, includes an introduction to several different forms of dance.
Participants will learn the true purpose of dance, as biblical references
to dance are revealed. We will expose and examine the enemy's
perversion of dance, and discuss the impact that dance has in the lives
of young people. Participants will discover the beauty of using their
bodies to glorify and give praise to our God. In addition, participants
may have the opportunity to perform the choreographed dance at the God's
Army concert! (30-60 minutes).
4. Representing and Perfecting (R.A.P.):
The focus of this workshop is on representing Christ not just in
the words that we write and say, but truly representing Him in our lives
in every way. The goal is to perfect our walk by not wasting the gifts
and talents that God has given us, but rather to give them back to God
for the purpose of glorifying Him and building His Kingdom. This interactive
session encourages participants to use the popular “Christian
rap” genre to express their faith. Emphasis will be placed on
the keys to effectively presenting a message through Christ-focused
rap before an audience. Participants will have the opportunity to demonstrate
their learned techniques during the session and possibly at the God's
Army concert! (30-60 minutes).
*All attendees are encouraged to fully participate in the interactive Power of Music sessions, as valuable tools and skills for immediate life application will be presented. The creative voices of those who interact are encouraged and heard throughout these sessions. While learning about expressing praise to God through the art of music and dance, participants will acquire valuable knowledge and skills that will be useful in their everyday walk.
CUSTOMIZING YOUR “6:12 EXPERIENCE”
For your customized “6:12 Experience,” you are invited to select the PLAN and GROUP OPTION that best meets your needs, as it relates to the number of participants, subject matter, time and accommodations available. Prices include all workshop materials (“The Commentary of 6:12,” workbook, handouts) for each participant.
PLAN A – The One-Day 6:12 Experience:
- Choice of 3 “Song” Workshops
- Choice of 2 interactive sessions from Power of Music presentation
- 60-minute concert celebration
PLAN B – The One-Day 6:12 Experience:
- Choice of 5 “Song” Workshops
- Choice of 2 interactive sessions from Power of Music presentation
- 60-minute concert celebration
PLAN C – The Two-Day 6:12 Experience:
- Choice of 5 “Song” Workshops
- All 4 interactive sessions from Power of Music presentation
- 90-minute concert celebration
PLAN D – The Two-Day 6:12 Experience:
- Choice of 7 “Song” Workshops
- All 4 interactive sessions from Power of Music presentation
- 90-minute concert celebration
GROUP OPTION 1: 50 participants
GROUP OPTION 2: 100 participants
GROUP OPTION 3: 250 participants
GROUP OPTION 4: 500 participants
| Workshop Topics | Workshop Plan | Options |
| Warrior | Plan A | Option 1 |
| Let It Go | Plan B | Option 2 |
| Praize Your Way & GA Funk | Plan C | Option 3 |
| I'll Do It | Plan D | Option 4 |
| T.H.U.G (Turning Hearts Unto God) | ||
| Spiritual High | ||
| Ride and Die | ||
| YRU Ashamed of Me? | ||
| Jack and Jill & Mountain Top | ||
| Love | ||
| Pray | ||
| Great God |
The Five Facets of The 6:12 Experience
INFORM:
Problems and obstacles are revealed from a candid, realistic approach.
The enemy is ruthless and has targeted our families, especially our
leaders of tomorrow, for destruction. The first step in defeating any
enemy is acquiring knowledge of his tactics. “The heart of the
discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out.”
-Proverbs 18:15 {NIV}
EQUIP:
Upon familiarizing oneself with the enemy's tactics, the
tools and weaponry required to effectively stand against the enemy are
presented. “Put on the whole armor of God so that you can withstand
the wiles of the devil.” -Ephesians 6:11 {NIV}
INSTRUCT:
Weapons and armor are useless if they are not worn or used properly.
It is vital that soldiers learn how to effectively engage their enemy
with the tools acquired for battle. “Command and teach these things.
Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set
an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and
in purity.”- I Timothy 4: 11-12 {NIV}
DEPLOY:
Upon completion of the workshop sessions and celebration, we send
forth our warriors in Christ, newly equipped with armor and skills necessary
to be victorious in battle against the enemy. “And the things
you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable
men who will also be qualified to teach others. Endure hardship with
us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” - II Timothy 2:2-3 {NIV}
CELEBRATE:
We serve such a wonderful God who makes available the knowledge
we need to defeat our enemies. There is certainly a time for praising
God for His goodness and mercy. The 6:12 Experience will culminate with
a God's Army concert. Participants are encouraged to celebrate
with God's Army as the lessons learned through the workshops come
alive through music.
The bible declares in Psalm 126: 3 “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” Likewise, Psalm 145:7 states, “They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.” We can clearly see that newfound knowledge of the greatness of our God and His plan for our lives is reason to celebrate! We find joy in discovering our place in the family of God, and our hearts rejoice at the prospect of going forward with a renewed sense of obedience and gratitude to God!
This celebration also mirrors the rejoicing that occurs in heaven each time another person gives their life to Christ and becomes a member of God's family. Luke 15:10 reads, “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Victory over sin and death is celebrated! That means a new warrior is born! Now their journey begins…inform, equip, instruct, deploy, and celebrate. This is the true circle of life.
Ask Yourself…
The “6:12 Experience” covers a wide-range of Christ-centered topics, which address issues encountered in the everyday life of the Believer. Perhaps the Lord has been leading you to address such topics in your sermons or bible study lessons.
Are your members expressing their struggles with
any of these issues?
Faith, forgiveness, depression, trusting in God, dealing with grief,
overcoming temptation, exhibiting the fruit of the spirit, denying the
works of the flesh, improving their prayer life, and walking with God.
Is God speaking to your heart about addressing any
of the following issues?
The meaning of worship, conquering fleshly desires, the perversion of
love, what it means to walk in the spirit, defending the faith against
atheism, the meaning of dying to flesh, the power of prayer, evangelism,
religion and tradition vs. relationship with God, the power of the tongue,
the enemy's attack on prayer in America, and the majesty of God.
Do you believe your young people need preparation
to deal with any of these issues?
Trusting in God, depression, conquering fleshly desires, abstaining
from sex outside of marriage, what it means to walk in the spirit, wearing
the full armor of God, peer pressure, having a personal relationship
with God, Satan and music, low self-esteem, depression, suicide, modesty
and morality, staying drug-free, being set apart, and knowing how to
pray.
Yes?
Then the 6:12 Experience is for you! We're here to help. We're on a mission.
About God's Army
Hailing
from Detroit, MI, 2005 Dove Award Nominee God's Army, the Christian
Rap ministry, has a goal of reaching the world through Hip Hop music.
Their mission: Not Impossible. Their battle cry: Ephesians 6:12. Since
their foundation in 1997, the group has been dedicated to reaching the
lost, using their talents as artists, their experiences as believers
in Christ, and most importantly the Word of God.
Currently, their sophomore release – named after their battle cry – 6:12, is catching the attention of people all over the globe. This is not only due to the rhythmic beats and captivating lyrics found on the CD, but it is also due to the commentary that accompanies the album. In this book, Christian Rap: Today's Tool for Evangelism, The Commentary of 6:12, you will find the meaning behind their message – they explain every lyric of each song on the album – in addition to the scriptures and life stories that motivated and inspired the lyrics. Dr. Deborah Smith-Pollard of Detroit's WJLB, 97.9 FM says of the book, "…this one really helps to support what all of their fans have known for years: they stand on the Word and they put that right in the book."
For ten years, the group and their music have traveled across America, parts of the Caribbean and even as far east as Japan ministering to believers and non-believers alike about the goodness and mercies of God. God's Army has six members, but encourages Christians everywhere of all ages to enlist in the spiritual battle.
